4 hours ago, Night-T said:

Pulisic and Zyech in, in case they would be fit. 

This gives Werner also more the chance do float around and put pressure on the defence. Something he did very well in his first game.

This is less possible on the left. 

I’d probably give Kovacevic a bit of time to settle in and get to know his teammates rather than throw him in at the deepend.

6 hours ago, erskblue said:

I’m think we will bounce back from the disappointment of last night to win. 
 

 

same 

Since we don't have the creative wingers to stretch the game why don't we switch to a 442 diamond. It makes no sense playing square pegs in round holes ( aka mount and Werner on the wings)

 

                       Mendy

  Azpi.    Zouma.   Silva.   Chillwell

                       Jorginho

          Kante.                 Mount

                      Havertz

         Abraham.        Werner 

 

1 hour ago, Paddy said:

Can’t believe that anyone in there right mind would pick hudson Oh dear through choice, you might as well only send out 10 players, cause he won’t contribute to the performance - for what ever reason he’s shot, his bottle has gone, even HE doesn’t even believe in himself. You saw it last night, he receives the ball on the half way line and it’s begging to get pushed forwards down the line for him to take on the full back, but he bottles it every time, he won’t take anyone on, instead he takes the pass and gives it straight back - what’s the point of a playing a winger who isn’t able or capable of being a winger ?? We have plenty of ‘to you, to me , to you’ sideways and back passers without the wingers playing that game too.  Sorry , but if Bayern are interested, rip their arm off and unload.

Wenger is not a winger, it’s pointless playing him in that position , it was hopeless last night and the rub of it all is that because our “wingers” didn’t/can’t/wouldn’t play as wingers, it made Giroud’s selection a nonsense - the hairy french one is never gonna do or be anything other than a target man, who holds up play and scores goals from inside the six yard-ish area from quality service via the flanks - if you don’t give him service he’s just a passenger - we were playing with 9 effective players last night.

I worry that people (me most of all) are putting too much hope into the return of Pulisic and Ziyech to turn our game around, I hope it’s true but they are not Messiah’s , their just very naughty boys ?

I’m in stitches 

I would go:

                     Mendy

James  Christensen     Silva       Chilwell

               Jorginho Kovacic

     Mount  Havertz    CHO 

                Werner   

51 minutes ago, Paddy said:

In truth, having only seen the defensive players ( new and old ) in the matches so far this season and with the varied combinations FL has picked , it’s difficult to understand how the pairings work together, but I wouldn’t play 4 at the back, at least not with the combinations of 4 that are available to us - it doesn’t seem to work ?

I have to assume that Rudiger is gone and that Silva still has “it” at 36 ? I want to love Zouma and I sort of do - what a double , goal saving tackle that’s was last night by the way !! , but next game does he get the timing wrong and it’s a penalty plus a red? At times he’s big and awkward but he has a great heart and shows spirit and commitment , so we are left with a choice between Tomori and Christensen ?

I have always rated Alonso, not so much as a left fullback, but as a wing back he’s capable, he has wonderful close ball control, great left peg and is good in the air.

Chilwell - £50 million and seeing him play for Leicester, I hope he comes good for us.

Azpi, nuff said.

James is young and has a tendency to pass backwards rather than look for the forward ball or take the full back on - hope that part of his game grows ?

I’m really confused about the German contingent, not seen enough of them to know where their best positions are, but I haven’t been overly impressed with either so far if I’m honest ? Having said that , they have been amongst the goals ?

TA - can’t fault his effort and on his day he can be ok, bordering on good, but he’s not Didier.

MM - he has something about him, but he isn’t good enough yet to play 30+ games a season, and yet again I don’t know his best position, but it’s definitely not as a winger.
 

RLC - this guy is so frustrating, he seems to have it all, big, rangy, strong etc but he mostly looks less than interested and I suspect he has a “ too cool for school” attitude ?

Ziyech - to be determined, but looked ok v bright in the pre-season game

Pulisic - he really does have something about him, don’t wanna put too much pressure on him, but hopes are high ?

 

                                    Mendy 
Tomori or Christensen,                 Silva,                   Zouma 
                                     Kante

Chilwell/Alonso ,        Kovasic,          James/Azpi

                               
         Ziyech                                                          Pulisic

                                  Werner/Havetz

 

its a long season, so plenty of opportunity to rotate . Big worry is the defensive midfield role - only got Kante worth a damn at the mo ?

Thanks for the reply. We might possibly look towards that once Ziyech and Pulisic are fit though I’m sure we will be looking to play both Havertz and Werner in the same team.

 

Mendy

Christensen - Silva - Zouma

Azpilicueta - Kante - Havertz - Chilwell

Pulisic - Werner - Ziyech

 

The problem is we need an extra body in the middle which results in us sacrificing a centre back for a midfielder.

50 minutes ago, The Don Antonio said:

Since we don't have the creative wingers to stretch the game why don't we switch to a 442 diamond. It makes no sense playing square pegs in round holes ( aka mount and Werner on the wings)

 

                       Mendy

  Azpi.    Zouma.   Silva.   Chillwell

                       Jorginho

          Kante.                 Mount

                      Havertz

         Abraham.        Werner 

 

I’m sorry, still trying to work out multi-quotes on here. I guess, whilst this is logical, Frank wants to get the players used to 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 as they’re the preferred formations.

31 minutes ago, Pob said:

Thanks for the reply. We might possibly look towards that once Ziyech and Pulisic are fit though I’m sure we will be looking to play both Havertz and Werner in the same team.

 

Mendy

Christensen - Silva - Zouma

Azpilicueta - Kante - Havertz - Chilwell

Pulisic - Werner - Ziyech

 

The problem is we need an extra body in the middle which results in us sacrificing a centre back for a midfielder.

You are right of course, very unlikely that 100 million+ worth of German ‘talent’ will be getting splinters, especially as the sign off on their purchase may not have been from FL himself? , so pressure may be brought to bare, but having said that, there was was £200 million plus on the bench last night at KO time !!

Havertz gets picked ahead of ????? based on he cost £75+ million and not on his performances so far - granted 3 goals but against championship relegation likely’s to L1 ? However, he must be persisted with so we get to see what all the fuss was about - hopefully that prophecy gets fulfilled?
 

The reality of things at the moment is that NO one, including the Chelsea management team, knows the best formation or, generally, the players ideal positions, but you can only piss with the cock that you’ve got, so let’s hope to God “they” get it right on Saturday  - I like either line up , it excites me and whets the appetite .

7 hours ago, AndyDowsleftflank said:

I think Frank will go for this 11:

Mount - Mount, Mount, Mount, Mount - Mount, Mount, Mount - Mount, Mount, Mount

 

Jokes aside, I think Mason has played well enough and I do not have a problem with him being in the team. 

It's the 90 minutes against Barnsley that irks me, surely he will be dead on his feet before long if he doesn't get a rest soon

This is just an updated version of the Mourinho 11 Dave’s quote. 

I hope for a win but expect a 2-2 draw. At this point I really don't care who is picked just don't put Square pegs In round holes and have a tactical plan in place that doesn't expose our defence and something other than just possession without penetration

We need to start putting in results and a good display.

mendy 

azbi zouma silva chillwell 

kante kova 

CHO havertz mount

werner 

7 hours ago, Pob said:

I’m sorry, still trying to work out multi-quotes on here. I guess, whilst this is logical, Frank wants to get the players used to 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 as they’re the preferred formations.

I get your point but I don't think it would hurt to have a plan C . Especially a formation which allows for 2 strikers 

36 minutes ago, The Don Antonio said:

I get your point but I don't think it would hurt to have a plan C . Especially a formation which allows for 2 strikers 

I think with Havertz we will end up playing 4-2-3-1 as our first plan, I do think we will need others and a 4-4-2 without wise players could be one option.

A must win in my opinion regardless of who plays and in what formation. Mouser clubs and Leicester are on 9 points. Everton & Leicester could be on 12 points by this upcoming rounds end. if we do lose that would be an 8 point gap already after only 4 games. Franks project could then come under more scrutiny not only from the anti CFC media but from upstairs as well.  So a lot to play for already. If we win hopefully it’s the start of a streak which happened at this point in the season last year and tbh gave us those crucial points to make the top 4. Not slagging off the coaching staff or players performances to date just pointing out potential scenarios. 
 

Could be another game where Hodgson will force us to play in the dreaded U Shape. It's important in my view that we have options to go long and link up in and around the box.

4-3-3 with a big physical presence. Mount gets a rest and we unleash the Havertz RLC pairing.

Mendy

Dave, Silva, Zouma, Chilwell

Kante

Havertz RLC

CHO Giroud Werner.

Last time out RLC looked way off the pace and Palace are no mugs.

8 minutes ago, Strider6003 said:

...........,,,,,,RLC looked way off the pace .........

Off the pace, so that’s what it was, there was me thinking he didn’t give a f**k  ?

0-3 the pressure will increase, and it will be a very long Saturday afternoon and evening after this result.

14 hours ago, Droopy said:

We need to win this sort of matches this year constantly. I hope that the injured guys are finally healthy and able to contribute to the team.\

---------------------Mendy-------------------------

Dave------Silva------Zouma----------Chilwell

--------------Jorginho------Barkley-----------

-----Ziyech---------Havertz-------Pulisic

------------------Werner------------------------------

 

No more BS. 

No more Barkley.lol

I dont want kepa ,not Even on the bench sorry to say ,i can just about stomach Christensen playing if needs be but he is in the last chance saloon for me . Alonso he is the last chance saloon thats just round the corner from Christensen saloon might i add .

james the book is still wide open ,zumo iam more than happy with > Silva i just dont have  the foggyiest if he is upto the premeirship so the book is open with this chap Even thou deep down i feal he might be a accident waiting to happen .

mendy > looked OK against Spurs ,just pray to god Palace dont Get any penaltys .

chiwell > its all our eggs into one basket with this chap , as for kante only play him in the position that he was so great at when he helped CFC win the prem ,ffs Frank dont shoe horn kante in since when attacking he seems to hinder us at times . 
 

Iam not too arsed about the attacking selection of players as there is goals there for sure ,its just the defending part of our play that worrys me senseless .

please Frank no kepa select Willy for the bench 

I expect a good performance. Minimize sideways and backwards passing. No schoolboy errors or dumb blunders or silly cards.

Pulisic and Ziyech should be ready for this one. Let's field all the good ONES in 4-3-3.

Mendy

James Zouma Silva Chilwell 

Havertz Kante Mount 

Ziyech Werner Pulisic

If Ziyech is touch and go start with CHO. 

22 hours ago, Paddy said:

In truth, having only seen the defensive players ( new and old ) in the matches so far this season and with the varied combinations FL has picked , it’s difficult to understand how the pairings work together, but I wouldn’t play 4 at the back, at least not with the combinations of 4 that are available to us - it doesn’t seem to work ?

I have to assume that Rudiger is gone and that Silva still has “it” at 36 ? I want to love Zouma and I sort of do - what a double , goal saving tackle that’s was last night by the way !! , but next game does he get the timing wrong and it’s a penalty plus a red? At times he’s big and awkward but he has a great heart and shows spirit and commitment , so we are left with a choice between Tomori and Christensen ?

I have always rated Alonso, not so much as a left fullback, but as a wing back he’s capable, he has wonderful close ball control, great left peg and is good in the air.

Chilwell - £50 million and seeing him play for Leicester, I hope he comes good for us.

Azpi, nuff said.

James is young and has a tendency to pass backwards rather than look for the forward ball or take the full back on - hope that part of his game grows ?

I’m really confused about the German contingent, not seen enough of them to know where their best positions are, but I haven’t been overly impressed with either so far if I’m honest ? Having said that , they have been amongst the goals ?

TA - can’t fault his effort and on his day he can be ok, bordering on good, but he’s not Didier.

MM - he has something about him, but he isn’t good enough yet to play 30+ games a season, and yet again I don’t know his best position, but it’s definitely not as a winger.
 

RLC - this guy is so frustrating, he seems to have it all, big, rangy, strong etc but he mostly looks less than interested and I suspect he has a “ too cool for school” attitude ?

Ziyech - to be determined, but looked ok v bright in the pre-season game

Pulisic - he really does have something about him, don’t wanna put too much pressure on him, but hopes are high ?

 

                                    Mendy 
Tomori or Christensen,                 Silva,                   Zouma 
                                     Kante

Chilwell/Alonso ,        Kovasic,          James/Azpi

                               
         Ziyech                                                          Pulisic

                                  Werner/Havetz

 

its a long season, so plenty of opportunity to rotate . Big worry is the defensive midfield role - only got Kante worth a damn at the mo ?

Zouma never gets the timing wrong and turns it into a penalty, people should have realised this by now

23 hours ago, Paddy said:

Can’t believe that anyone in there right mind would pick hudson Oh dear through choice, you might as well only send out 10 players, cause he won’t contribute to the performance - for what ever reason he’s shot, his bottle has gone, even HE doesn’t even believe in himself. You saw it last night, he receives the ball on the half way line and it’s begging to get pushed forwards down the line for him to take on the full back, but he bottles it every time, he won’t take anyone on, instead he takes the pass and gives it straight back - what’s the point of a playing a winger who isn’t able or capable of being a winger ?? We have plenty of ‘to you, to me , to you’ sideways and back passers without the wingers playing that game too.  Sorry , but if Bayern are interested, rip their arm off and unload.

Wenger is not a winger, it’s pointless playing him in that position , it was hopeless last night and the rub of it all is that because our “wingers” didn’t/can’t/wouldn’t play as wingers, it made Giroud’s selection a nonsense - the hairy french one is never gonna do or be anything other than a target man, who holds up play and scores goals from inside the six yard-ish area from quality service via the flanks - if you don’t give him service he’s just a passenger - we were playing with 9 effective players last night.

I worry that people (me most of all) are putting too much hope into the return of Pulisic and Ziyech to turn our game around, I hope it’s true but they are not Messiah’s , their just very naughty boys ?

I beg you don't make another post on this forum again.

19 minutes ago, Luiz4Chelsea said:

Zouma never gets the timing wrong and turns it into a penalty, people should have realised this by now

Didn’t he get a straight red and a 10 match ban when playing for st etienne for a mis-timed tackle that fractured the other player tibia, tibia and dislocated an ankle ?